Anyone jobless for a long time before?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I think it is safe to say no one who is in the workforce now have never thought of resigning from his job every now and then. These thoughts of leaving the job could be triggered by a variety of factors. For eg., being jaded with the work, being passed over for promotion, being scolded and humiliated by the boss, having bad clients, toxic co-workers, environment, poor remuneration, and even mid-life crisis, etc...

However, other than having a better job offer from somewhere else, or from having a windfall, the other reasons for wanting to quit your current job has to be seriously thought through. It is not just the financial aspects, but the agonizing months that you may have to go through looking for another job. Going without a job for some length of time will shake your confidence and self esteem. Some people also suffer from depression during this period. Being jobless also bring great stress and strain on the family - unthinkable for a sole breadwinner.

Having been in the workforce for over 32 years, I have had my fair share of these "passing" thoughts of quitting my job and doing something else. Sometimes it could be because the boss said something unpleasant. At times, it was because I didnt get the promotion/bonus I thought I deserved. The worse episode was when I hit 40, and undergoing mid-life crisis. I was on the verge of quitting and just thinking of taking a sabbatical to "see the world".

Luckily, a big project came my way and got me fully absorbed in it and kept my mind away from all this distraction. I sailed past my mid-life crisis and have not looked back since.

My new distraction is - shall I retire now or later? This question becomes more recurring now that many among my cohort have retired and enjoying life.

The one big benefit of gritting your teeth and staying on in the workforce and working continuously throughout is the tidy sum of retirement nest egg that you can count on for a comfortable retirement.

So to conclude, unless you have a better job offer or have received a windfall, do not throw away what you currently have on hand, to go without a job.

Thank you for that...and to those who are gainfully employed...please treasure what you have...I have been out of a job for 1.5 years and actively seeking work...it is hell every day...waiting and waiting.

I think the only exception is that if the stress is too heavy till physical health is impacted day in day out.. then gotta seriously think of the consequences.. sometimes when u unknowingly chooses money and getting permanent health damage, will u realise its better off to just quit and take a break regardless how long.. if end of day got to beg for money cos tried getiing but fail to land a decent job, then too bad.

Life is such and everyone's path is different.

Those that succeed can write stories of success whereas those that aint that lucky gotta suck it up.

Hard truth.

No magical formula as to making the best decision.

Sometimes the best decision may not be the best decision.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

6.5 months and counting..

Resigned without getting a job due to overwhelming stress till affecting my physical health..

Me too. Resigned as a manager from a good Stat Board with 'good' pay and bonus more than a year ago due to work stress and poor health and mid-life crisis. Still jobless. All my applications to other gov agencies have been unsuccessful. Was surprised when i received a call to attend the psychometric test with a gov agency last year. Went for the test but has not heard from them since. I am not surprise i was called for the test just for statistics to show that they do not discriminate against aged applicants.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Me too. Resigned as a manager from a good Stat Board with 'good' pay and bonus more than a year ago due to work stress and poor health and mid-life crisis. Still jobless. All my applications to other gov agencies have been unsuccessful. Was surprised when i received a call to attend the psychometric test with a gov agency last year. Went for the test but has not heard from them since. I am not surprise i was called for the test just for statistics to show that they do not discriminate against aged applicants.

How old were you, and how much were you making?

How stressful was the work (e.g. deadlines, bosses, long hours, etc.)?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

6 bloody months out of job!!..Quitted out of overwhelming work..

Since Went for 4 interviews and all unsuccessful..

damn emo and aimless now!!

How long is this going to drag on???

Early 40s with a diploma...

What a way to end 2017!

You're early 40s. I am early 50s. Still no job after 1.2 years since I quited without a job. But i must admit I wasn't too focus on getting a job. Have been nursing my health and leading a relaxing life. But need to get a job soon. Not enough money to retire. Children still in uni.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Lost my job as an accountant. I am 49. Worry not able to get a permanent job anymore. Face age discrimination during job application.

Yes, age discrimination is very real and more prevalent in the civil service/public sector than private!

So moral of the story is to work till drop esp those past 40.. regardless health issue or whatsoever from overstressed and toxic workload.

Cos the hiring environment is totally screwed up in this era..

Last time 3 pax do 1 pax job.

Now is opposite..

To hell with advocating worklife balance ********...

Originally Posted by Unregistered

My boss and I had some differences so we didn’t end on a good note.
Prospective employers will check references with them, so will finding a job be an uphill task?

have been out of full time employment since apr 2017
whilst in midst of persistently sending CVs out to private and govt sectors, have tried to occupy time with 2 temp contracts..but it gets quite discouraging to send and seemingly no luck or breakthrgh until serious self doubts r creeping in

Are you below 40?

Should be less challenging to secure perm position if yes..

Just need some patience and things to do, so to keep the mind from wondering into pessimism.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

have been out of full time employment since apr 2017
whilst in midst of persistently sending CVs out to private and govt sectors, have tried to occupy time with 2 temp contracts..but it gets quite discouraging to send and seemingly no luck or breakthrgh until serious self doubts r creeping in

since got so many of those in the latter age out of jobs for months, even years, is it true what PAP IBs had advocated that people both young and old are picky with job hunting?